AWAITING THE GERMAN EU PRESIDENCY: CHALLENGES AND OPTIONS FROM AN EASTERN EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE As Germany prepares to take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in July, the number of pressing tasks(and deadlines) ahead looks intimidating. At no time since reunification has Germany been called to put its political and economic weight to work and exert its influence so resolutely in so many areas of European and global affairs. The multiannual financial framework, the Green Deal, post-pandemic economic recovery, cooperation in the area of healthcare, the European funds, the rule­of-law nexus, the situation of posted workers, and the strategic role of the Union itself – these are all complex issues that Germany will have to tackle by fostering solidarity and compromise, and by inspiring the European Club as it pushes forward in the face of those prophesying its doom and demise. The Eastern EU members have a stake in most of these dossiers. As long as their needs are also adequately taken into account, they will for their part lend a helping hand to make Germany's EU Presidency a success. More information about this subject can be found here: www.fes.ro 47